Its deputy president Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman said this to FMT when commenting on the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) confirmation that Daim and Toblerone chocolates have no halal certification.

He said the chocolates can still be consumed by Muslims, so long as there is no doubt over their contents.

“Just because they don’t have halal certificates, doesn’t mean they are haram.

“Although many have responded to Jakim’s statement by publishing articles with headlines claiming that they are.

“That is a false claim, just like the allegations made during the whole ‘pretzel dog’ fiasco.”

Jakim’s Halal Hub Division yesterday said both chocolates have not obtained Malaysia’s Halal Certification or any foreign halal certification recognised by Jakim.

Yusof advised that the makers of Daim and Toblerone should work towards obtaining the halal certificate, which shouldn’t be a problem if the products contain no doubtful ingredients.

“We hope the manufacturers can apply for the certificate so there will be no doubt among consumers. But at the moment, the public can still eat the chocolates by just checking the content listed on the packaging.

“If they are confident it is halal, they can consume it,” he added.

On the other hand, the Muslim Consumers’ Association of Malaysia (PPIM) chairperson Nadzim Johan urged both Daim and Toblerone’s manufacturers to come up with a statement immediately.

They need to explain why they have yet to receive the halal certification, he added. Failure to do so would see PPIM coming up with its own statement urging the public not to consume them.

“We advise the manufacturers to get the certificate. If they want the Muslim consumers to support them, then they have to get the halal certificate.

“They must state why they haven’t received it. It’s either they think it is unnecessary, or they just can’t get it. If they don’t explain, we’ll tell consumers not to purchase the products.

“We give them time to do this. If they still can’t get the halal certificate, then we just assume their products are not halal.” -Mkini